Color photo by Eleanor B. Hall June 1967Raber HouseOne of the city's few remaining pre-1871 Chicago fire residences.This is a rare surviving example on the edge of the Englewood community of a multi acre estate.The Italian style brick residence, which is capped by a wooden cupola, was built for John Raber, a prominent area businessman, real-estate developer, and politician.

The residence's original 6 acre grounds were so vast that the house's original address was 5700 south plank road (State Street), which is one block to the east.Jerry Pittman's ; Pittman's Chicago, By whO did a external photo documentary of the Raber House and the surrounding property. Shortly afterwards By whO was contacted by the great great great grand daughter of John Raber Ms. Hol Hartman.Ms. Hartman revealed a historical account of the Raber house that contradicts the Chicago landmark's published records. She also supplied never before published photographs taken by a one time resident of Raber House, her Grandmother Eleanor B. Hall in the summer of 1967

Color photo by Eleanor B. Hall June 1967

Raber House By Hol Hartman great great great grand daughter of John Raber

"Contrary to common belief, John Raber did not build the house. It was built by Rudolph Walenta, a doctor, around 1860 and purchased by Raber in 1862. I think Rabers name stuck because of a drawing made of it in 1874, while Raber owned it; He sold it not long afterward. Around 1894 the house was enlarged ( a third floor and bay windows were added ) and turned into an apartment house. Even while Raber lived there there were about as many lodgers as family menbers at the house, so the house has a long history of being very full of people. The Rabers, the Walentas, and the Rosenmerkel family who owned the land before the Walenta were all German-speaking immigrants, as were some of Rabers lodgers".

All but forgotten an erroding time capsule of the past. The Raber House has seen many changes in life and lifestyles. It began its existance as a grand house sitting on a enormous plantation size lot.

Today it has been reduced to a eyesore and safety hazard. It has however been designated as a city landmark. The question now is, when is it going to get landmark treatment and restored to its original design? This area, once vacant land, was sold lot by lot and filled up with private residences and businesses. Over the years these homes have also been torn down and abandoned.

The rear of the Raber house from one block away. Like a wounded animal waiting to be put out of it misery The structure sits abandoned......for decades

Time is non discriminating. It slashes across all economic levels with equally devastating effects. The difference is "whO cares". If no one cares memories and lessons of the past will be forgotten.

Someone cared enough to make it a landmark now the question is, "whO cares" enough to restore it ?

From 58th and Wabash the view across State street. An entire block separates State street from the front door. Lafayette street was added years later after the land had been cut up and sold to developers.

This view along Lafayette is in actuality a very revealing story about the entire neighborhood in general. Lack of jobs and opportunity created an environment where poverty and crime flurished,

From a time of plentyto a era when whole generations were decimated by the extremely harsh living conditions that begin in the late 20s with the over-crowding of the neighborhood with the erection of massive housing projects in and around Bronzeville.The CHA was the kiss of death to Bronzeville.